FR 2024-29234

The document announced by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) pertains to an upcoming meeting of the State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector Policy Advisory Committee (SLTPS-PAC). Scheduled for January 8, 2025, this gathering is significant as it will address topics related to classified national security information programs pertinent to state, local, tribal, and private sectors. Embracing a hybrid format, the meeting will be held both virtually and in-person, located at the Adams Conference Room, Washington, DC. To attend virtually, participants need to register in advance through a provided link.

General Summary

This notice is part of the administrative process that ensures transparency and compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. It informs the public and relevant stakeholders about the SLTPS-PAC meeting, which focuses on issues surrounding national security information. Attendees can engage in discussions that affect how classified information is handled across various sectors, promoting better coordination and knowledge-sharing among federal, state, and private entities.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document raises several concerns regarding the accessibility and clarity of the upcoming meeting:

1. Agenda Details: The document does not specify the agenda or the precise topics to be discussed during the meeting. This lack of detail could lead to uncertainty about the specific goals of the meeting and limit effective public participation.

2. Registration Clarity: While there is a mention of the need to register for the virtual meeting, the notice lacks information regarding registration deadlines or any restrictions on the number of participants, which could present difficulties for prospective attendees.

3. Terminology and Context: The use of specialized terminology related to classified national security information might be opaque to individuals not versed in this subject. This could hinder broader public engagement and understanding.

4. Hybrid Meeting Format: The document does not elaborate on the criteria for in-person attendance, raising potential concerns about equitable access and the possibility of preferential treatment for those attending in person.

Public Impact

For the general public, this meeting represents an opportunity to engage with federal mechanisms that govern the safeguarding of classified information. It's essential for individuals who are part of the state, local, tribal, and private sectors as it directly affects how these entities interact with national security processes. In a broader sense, the meeting can influence public confidence in the transparency and efficiency of these government processes.

Impact on Stakeholders

Positive Impacts:

• Stakeholder Engagement: For stakeholders such as local governments and private sector participants, this meeting provides a platform to voice concerns and offer feedback on national security policies that may affect their operations.
• Information Sharing: The hybrid format allows for a more inclusive approach, enabling remote participation that can lead to more comprehensive discussions and solutions.

Negative Impacts:

• Accessibility Issues: Without clear registration instructions and criteria for attendance, some stakeholders might face barriers to participation, potentially limiting the diversity of perspectives shared at the meeting.
• Uncertainty: The lack of detailed agenda items may lead some participants to question the meeting's purpose and effectiveness in addressing critical issues.

In conclusion, while the announcement of the SLTPS-PAC meeting is an important step towards collaborative governance of national security information, there is room for improvement in terms of transparency and inclusivity to ensure that all relevant voices are heard and impactful policies are shaped.